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In the world of high-end sports cars, the 911 is arguably the most iconic model in history. Though the design has continued to change over the last 50 years, the fundamentals are still in place: rear-mounted flat-6 engine and a precision chassis developed with handling in mind. Together, the components add up to a sports car that's hard to beat both in terms of aesthetics and performance. The 911's a capable competitor to other sport coupes such as the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Audi R8, BMW M3 and Nissan GT-R.

MODEL HIGHLIGHTS

Several engines are available for 2018. In the Carrera, Carrera 4 and Targa 4, buyers get a 3.0L horizontally opposed direct-injected 6-cylinder that makes 350 horsepower. Carrera S, Carrera 4S and Targa 4S buyers get a slightly larger 3.8L flat-6, which makes between 370 and 450 horsepower. The GT3, the GT3 RS, the Turbo and the Turbo S all use different versions of this same 3.0L engine, making different power in each variant. In the GT3 it makes 500 horsepower, while the GT3 RS makes 520. The addition of two turbochargers brings horsepower up to 540 and 580 for the Turbo and Turbo S, respectively.

All engines are mated to a standard 7-speed manual transmission. The 7-speed PDK double-clutch automatic is optional, and standard on the Turbo S, the GT3 and the GT3 RS. In the manual, the ratios are close together in every gear except 7th, which helps to achieve a better fuel consumption rate during highway use. Other features include electric power steering and a hydraulic decoupler of the front and rear sway bars, known as Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control. In addition, 911s feature a rear-wheel torque vectoring system that helps build traction using the rear brakes in conjunction with the rear differential.

Inside, the 911 interior features styling touches consistent with Porsche's Panamera and Cayenne. There's no mistaking the design as anything other than 911, however, with a host of gauges flanking a large tachometer, mounted front and center. The center console sports a large color touchscreen monitor for navigation and stereo functions. Overall, the 911 strikes a good balance between being a focused sports car and a luxurious cruiser, never feeling too hardcore to keep its occupants comfortable.

Several packages add features such as special sports seating, Bose audio, ambient lighting, auto dimming mirrors and more. The Sport Chrono Package includes dynamic engine mounts, a dash-mounted analog and digital stopwatch, performance display, a Sport Plus button to control engine mapping and throttle response and launch control for cars equipped with PDK.

MODEL NEWS

The biggest change for 2018 is the addition of a new GT3 RS model. The new GT3 RS is the ultimate trackday vehicle from Porsche, as well as being the most powerful non-turbocharged car in their lineup. With a screaming 520 hp and a partially caged interior, the GT3 RS is not for the faint of heart. But those who are capable of extracting the most of it on a racetrack will find that they are driving something that reaches very close to perfection.